LIDL to expand its discount supermarkets into the US

Has anyone shopped at or been to a LIDL grocery store?
Lidl is the chief competitor of the similar German discount chain Aldi.

LIDL to expand its discount supermarkets into the US
German retailer Lidl on Friday formally announced it has established a U.S. headquarters and distribution facility, pledging to create "a unique experience for American consumers that will be unlike anything else in the market."

The announcement comes almost exactly two years after reports first surfaced of Lidl's plans to expand in the U.S. The release also confirmed that former Lidl Ireland president Brendan Proctor will lead the effort as president and CEO of Lidl US.

Lidl, based in Neckarsulm, Germany, is one of Europe's leading retailers, operating nearly 10,000 stores in 26 countries. Sources told SN it was seeking to expand in the U.S. because it was nearing saturation in many European markets. Privately held by the family-owned Schwarz Group, Lidl (along with German based sister banner Kaufland) generated around $98.3 billion (U.S.) in annual sales in 2014.

Internationally, Aldi Nord operates in Denmark, France, the Benelux countries, the Iberian peninsula, and Poland, while Aldi Süd operates in Ireland, United Kingdom, Hungary, Switzerland, Australia, Austria and Slovenia (Aldi Süd operates as Hofer within the latter two countries mentioned). Both Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd also operate in the United States; Aldi Nord is owner of the Trader Joe's chain, while Aldi Süd operates as Aldi.

i have been in an aldi once.....and we just had one open nearby within the past month. it was supposedly mobbed. i am not a huge "discount grocery store shopper." the closest i get is being a loyal sams club shopper. i have my preferred grocery stores and dont often go out of my way to go to any others. i love GIANT, THE FRESH MARKET, SAFEWAY, MARS (a local chain), and occasionally WEGMANS.

i had read that before about the ALDI empire and how they are affiliated with TRADER JOES. i am not much of a trader joes fan either. i dont really get what the hype is all about. give me THE FRESH MARKET over TRADER JOES..... more expensive, but worth it for me.

I have been to Aldi the day after their sale flyer comes out and they are usually out of the household goods that they advertise. There are two within a five mile radius from me. Trader Joes is a half an hour drive for me but I liked the different items they offered such as Jalapeño Tarter Sauce. I need to go again but will plan it when I need to go to other places close by.